Almost three-fifths of adults in Cumbria have not been to a dentist in the last two years, figures show.

The British Dental Association said access to dental practices has collapsed across England, and warned the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the nation’s oral health will be felt “for years to come”.

Figures from NHS Digital show 170,692 people aged 18 and over were seen by a dentist or orthodontist in Cumbria in the two years to the end of December – just 42 per cent of the area’s adult population. This means 58 per cent had not been seen by a dentist within the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s recommended longest interval between check-ups. This was up from 53 per cent not seen in the two years to December 31 2019.

Across England, just 45 per cent of adults were seen in 2019 and 2020 – the lowest figure since at least 2016 – and down from 50 per cent over 2018 and 2019.

Though dental practices resumed face-to-face care in June, the BDA said the gaps required between patient appointments to prevent transmission have “radically reduced” capacity.

In Cumbria, 29,732 youngsters were seen in 2020 – down from 55,950 the year before – meaning just 32 per cent of children went to the dentist last year.